HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Hard Red Raised Bump With White Center Inside Arm?

I have a hard red raised bump with a white center on the inside of my arm, where my elbow bends. It has been there for about 2 weeks. It started as a red bump and has, within the past 2 days, formed a white center. It does not hurt or itch. Any ideas as to what this may be and how I should treat it?
Thu, 31 Mar 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Thank you for your query.
Your description points an abscess/ an infected hair follicle .

I would examine the site to look for signs of infection, redness in the surrounding areas (skin, subcutaneous tissue), warmth over the area, tenderness, any possible bite/sting marks, hair follicle in the centre.
I would do a complete blood count to check for levels of white blood cells in comparison with others.

A folliculitis will be about 2-5mm in size. An abscess, in most cases is larger (1-5 cms). If there is adjacent skin involvement (redness, pain, warmth, fever) cellulitis could be present (unlikely based on your description).

I would advice to keep area, clear & dry. Since it has been two weeks and seems to have pus (white center), I suggest a topical antibiotic cream twice a day for 1 weel or till it resolves.
Do not pop it or squeeze it. If the antibiotic cream does show inprovement in 3 days, or is signs of cellulitis develop, I suggest you show it to a physician.

hope this helps. please get back to us for further clarification.
hope this resolves quickly.
Wish you good health
I find this answer helpful

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Hard Red Raised Bump With White Center Inside Arm?

Thank you for your query. Your description points an abscess/ an infected hair follicle . I would examine the site to look for signs of infection, redness in the surrounding areas (skin, subcutaneous tissue), warmth over the area, tenderness, any possible bite/sting marks, hair follicle in the centre. I would do a complete blood count to check for levels of white blood cells in comparison with others. A folliculitis will be about 2-5mm in size. An abscess, in most cases is larger (1-5 cms). If there is adjacent skin involvement (redness, pain, warmth, fever) cellulitis could be present (unlikely based on your description). I would advice to keep area, clear & dry. Since it has been two weeks and seems to have pus (white center), I suggest a topical antibiotic cream twice a day for 1 weel or till it resolves. Do not pop it or squeeze it. If the antibiotic cream does show inprovement in 3 days, or is signs of cellulitis develop, I suggest you show it to a physician. hope this helps. please get back to us for further clarification. hope this resolves quickly. Wish you good health